//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: First Introductions (edited) // Story: New Beginnings // by Black Alicorn //------------------------------// Ponyville hospital. Most of the beds were filled with injured ponies, save one. A strange creature lay in its bed with a large bandage on it's side. Twilight was laying in the bed next to it, studying it. "What is it?" Twilight turned. Nurse Redheart was standing right next to her. "I don't know," was her quick, dry answer. It coughed. Both ponies turned to face it. After a few moments of coughing and wheezing, it began to stir and look upwards toward the ceiling. “What the hell? Where am I?” were its thoughts as it observed the wooden ceiling of the hospital. Various cracks lining the ceiling portrayed its age, but proving sturdy over time. It turned its head around, first to the left, where a large red pony with a broken leg was sleeping peacefully. It turned its head to the right, where Twilight and Nurse Redheart were observing it in silence. It jerked forward as if it was about to attack, but a yell of pain escaped its lips as it fell back into the bed slowly. It turned to investigate the source of the pain. It saw a large bandage on it's side. A quick sigh escaped from it's mouth. “Um, hello?” said Twilight with a concern. The creature turned to face her, with a puzzled look. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Nurse Redheart. Do you have a name?” - - - - - My name, my God, the last time I’ve said it... can’t even remember what it is. He looked at the gray object at the other side of the room. It was his armor. How did they even remove it? He looked at a small image of a howling wolf in the top right corner of his chest plate. - - - - - He laid his head back on the pillow. Then he said it. “Wolf.” One word. Short and sweet, but not too revealing. “Well, Wolf, what are you? Where are you from?” said Twilight. She seemed intent on getting a background on this new character. He thought for a few moments. Then he said two words. “Human. Earth.” Once again, barely opening up. “How did you get here?” Nurse Redheart piped in. He thought again. Something tugging at the back of his head suddenly reemerged and his eyes suddenly narrowed. He leaped forward again, ignoring the burning pain in his side. “RED DAWN! Where is she?!” Twilight remembered the scorched paint on the side of what they found him in. “Red Dawn? You mean that thing you came out of?” He fell back to his pillow, the pain caught up to him. He nodded in his pillow, content with her answer. “I can take you to it when your feeling better. Why did you come here?” He instantly loosened up at the fact he’ll be reunited with his trusty warship. “No choice. Had to make a blind jump. The Spinar were too close.” “The Spinar?” “Our- MY enemy.” “Your people are at war with these “Spinar”?” He scoffed. “My people? No. Not anymore. They're all dead. The Spinar killed them all. All but one.” “All of them? How many?" His aggressive composure returned with a vengeance as he angrily answered, “124 BILLION! 124 freaking billion! The bastards showed no mercy! NO MERCY AT ALL!” He held back tears as he bit his lip. Twilight gasped. “I'm sorry......” He calmed down, wiping the tears away. “Don't be. You couldn't have known.” He then silently chuckled. “I always wondered why people would say ‘I’m sorry’ at things they shouldn’t be sorry at.” A few minutes passed silently as Wolf trembled, remembering things we wished he could forget. Twilight finally broke the silence with a question. “But...why?” “I don't know. None of us knew. They just fell from the skies on our Good Hope colony 24 years ago. Then they started killing everyone in sight. Military forces were caught by surprise.” He spat out angrily later, “Didn't even stand a damn chance.” Twilight could see the anger growing in his eyes. If he got too angry, he could attack. He didn't look capable of attacking, but who knows? “How old are you?” “Twenty-seven years and counting.” She couldn’t hide the shock in her voice. “Twenty-seven?!” “Yes. And I don't want to talk about the war anymore. I saw things, heard things, felt... did things that are better left unsaid.” He then paused for a moment and added, “Can you two give me a moment, I need some time to think.” - - - - - What am I doing? I've never been so open before. But, this place has a calming effect on me, and this Twilight... how does she know so much? Then he remembered. The night of the crash, it was her, she was there when I first set down. - - - - - “Of course.” Twilight and Nurse Redheart began walking away. “Wait.” They both stopped and turned to face him, unsure to what he wanted. “Nurse, is there someplace more private where I can speak with Twilight?” “You can't strain yourself with movement right now, but you seem to heal fast. You should be back on your feet by tomorrow.” Twilight let off a small smile. “Then I can show you around some.” Wolf returned the smile. “Thanks.” Twilight left the hospital. - - - - - ‘Thanks’? When was the last time I said that? Most of the war I was barking orders at men loyal enough to follow them. At the time, Wolf was a Major in Earth's military. In most of his deployments, he was the ranking officer. Of course there were exceptions, but Wolf had extensive combat and tactical experience; not to mention the fact that the military had officially dubbed him, humanity's best hope of survival. This provided the exception where most superior officers, not only took his advice into careful consideration, they even took orders from him. Am I going soft? Can't allow that. Spinar will find me eventually. Need to stay alert. But, I might as well heal and relax while I have the chance. - - - - - “Hungry?” “Yeah, I could eat.” “Dinner will be ready soon. It's soup tonight.” She looked around cautiously then whispered, “I personally recommend the mixed vegetable.” “Thanks.” She winked. “No problem. Now you just lay down and rest.” “Don't have to tell me twice.” The dinner cart came down the aisle and a nurse began distributing today’s meal. The smell of fresh soup filled the air. Wolf tried to breathe in as much of the smell as he could. It had been weeks since his last fresh meal. The pony moving the cart asked: “Carrot or mixed?” “Mixed.” “Here you go.” “Thanks." The pony smiled at him. “You're more than welcome.” He tasted the soup. He immediately took another sip. And another. And another. It was the best soup he had in months. Within moments the whole bowl was gone. The red pony next to him stared. “Sorry. Long time since I had a good meal.” “No problem. Just never saw anyone eat so fast.” “I'm just used to eating fast. One minute I'm sitting in a corner, eating dinner, the next I'm back in the fight,” He stated plainly. “Who were you fighting?” asked the patients. They all had shocked expressions. “Genocidal bugs hell bent on wiping out every last human in existence.” He paused for a moment, laying his head back down on his pillow, recalling days past. “They’ve almost finished the job. You’re talking to the sole survivor of the war. Can’t say I don’t like it. Lone Wolf, that was my nickname. Danger, certainty of death, small chance of success...” He paused again, recalling how desolate and depressing the war really was. “I’d just barge through hordes of them. Throughout eleven years of hard warfare, I’ve killed thousands.” “How can you talk about it as if it’s nothing?” “When your whole life is stained in blood, you really can’t talk about anything else. It’s gotten to the point where war is a daily part of my life, and I speak about it in a monotonous tone.” Everybody stopped talking for a bit, digesting what information he just released to them. The pony operating the food cart broke the awkward silence by asking, “Anyone for seconds?” Everyone answered no, except 2 patients who were wrapped up in their own conversation and didn't hear her question. One of which was Wolf and the other was the red stallion who had just awoken. “Well, I see you two have been introduced.” “Not exactly....” “Well why don't we change that? Names Big Macintosh.” “I'm Wolf.” The pony driving the cart smiled at the two. “So, any of you want seconds? Plenty left here.” “Nah I'm good.” “I could go for another bowl. Haven't had good soup in months.” She filled another bowl. Like before, the soup was gone in moments. “Thanks. I needed that.” “No problem. We've got more if you want.” “No thanks. I'm good.” “Well, if you need anything, just call.” Upon finishing that sentence, she left the room. “I think I'm going to turn in for the night.” “Eeyup. Me too. Good night.” “Good night.” And with that, they both turned and fell asleep. - - - - - Planet Raxus, April 17th, 2659, 14:31 hrs. An explosion. Wolf opened his eyes. A young blond soldier ran up to him, a look of fear on his face. “Captain! Corporal Marks sir!” “Report Corporal!” “Spinar broke through the 328th!” “Damn it, they're the only unit between the Spinar and the civilian shelter!” “We're trying to hold the line, but there's too many of them!” “Pull the troops back. We'll try to hold them here.” “Here, sir?!” “Yes, here. We can use what's left of the defenses.” Another soldier ran up to the two. “Captain, sir! A Spinar elite team broke through!” “What class?” “Wasps sir!” “Alright. Get ready men!” “Sni-” Marks fell over as a large spike entered his back, severing his spinal cord. “MARKS!” - - - - - “MARKS! MARKS!” Nurse Redheart rushed over to the screaming human. “DAMN IT MARKS, GET UP!” “Calm down! It's alright, you're safe!” Wolf calmed down. He looked around. He was back in Ponyville hospital. Everyone was awake and staring at him. He looked to his left and Big Macintosh was staring at him with a concerned look. He turned his head to the right and he saw Nurse Redheart yelling for anesthetic. “Get me some morphine over here!” “No, I don't need it.” “Hold on that! Are you sure?” “Yeah, yeah. Just a bad dream.” “Sounded more like a nightmare. You were screaming 'marks' over and over again. What does it mean?” His head fell back to the pillow and his eyes closed. “Nothing.” “Didn't look like nothing.” “What time is it?” “11:47 Am.” “Morning already?” “Yeah, it is. Well, it looks like your fine, so I'm releasing you. Just don't strain yourself too much. No running or anything like that.” “All right.” “And, you have a visitor.” Twilight walked in as Nurse Redheart finished her sentence. “Good morning!” Wolf got up on his legs. He held on to the bed at first, but was soon standing like nothing had happened. “Morning.” “Feel like a little stroll?” “Sure, why not?” “Good! I'd like to show you around and introduce you to someponies.” “Sounds good to me.” Both Wolf and Twilight had completely forgotten about Red Dawn. They both exited the hospital and Wolf was in awe. - - - - - Wow. This place is beautiful. - - - - - Wolf wasn't wearing his armor. Underneath the armor, he wore a gray and yellow uniform. On the right part of the chest, there was the same image of the howling wolf. On the left part of the chest, it wrote: “W713”. Outside,the sun was shining, the sky was blue and the air was so fresh and pure. It made Wolf feel very relaxed, something which changed quickly. Wolf kept his guard up even in the quiet, peaceful town of Ponyville. Spending years on the battlefield taught him to never let his guard down. “Here's Sugar Cube Corner, the local bakery. They have delicious treats here.” “Twilight!” Both Wolf and Twilight turned to face the source of the voice. In front of them, a pink pony was hopping towards them. “Hi Pinkie Pie!” “Good morning! Where have you been?” “Well,I've-” She was quickly interrupted by Pinkie Pie, who was looking at Wolf. “Who is this what's your name where are you from are you a friend of Twilight? If you're a friend of Twilight's then you're a friend of mine which means I have a new friend which means I need to throw a new friend party!” And within a second, Pinkie Pie was gone. “Okay, who or what was that?” “That was Pinkie Pie.” “Is she always like this?” “Always. She throws parties at the drop of a hat. Anyway, we should move on.” The two were walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, but to do that they had to pass through the busy town square. They went unnoticed at first, but then a few ponies started to stare and it wasn't long before the whole square was staring at Wolf. “Don't mind them. They're not used to this kind of thing.” Wolf didn't answer. His eyes were darting back and forth at the crowd, scanning for potential threats. Ever since his first few battles, he was constantly scanning the area he was in for tactical advantages, disadvantages and threats. They left the square and soon after the commotion resumed. They were now in the apple orchards heading towards the barn. Wolf heard something flying towards Twilight. He reached up, grabbed the flying object and threw it to the ground, creating a cloud of dust and a loud noise. Twilight looked behind her at the dust cloud. When it cleared, she could see Wolf holding down Rainbow Dash with one hand, and the other forming a fist above her face, waiting to strike. “Wolf, no! She's a friend!” Upon hearing this, Wolf's grip loosened, and Rainbow Dash was free. She hovered in the air coughing for a few seconds, before opening her eyes. “What was that for?! You want a fight? You got one!” Rainbow Dash landed on her hind legs and using her wings to balance herself, she managed to get her front legs up to fight. The two were about to initiate an all out brawl when Twilight got in the middle and stopped them. "Stop it you two! Wolf, what was that all about?" “Sorry. Most of the time when something was heading towards me with that kind of speed, I had to react like that.” “Well, just don't do it again. And, by the way, who are you?” “His name is Wolf.” “Well, Wolf, I'm Rainbow Dash.” Both stared at each other, a sinister look in their eyes. They were ready for a fight. Wolf broke eye contact with her first, he had calmed down. Rainbow Dash eventually calmed down as well. “So where you headed?” “Sweet Apple Acres.” “Going to see Applejack?” “Yeah, that and I need to pick up some apples.” “Well, I'm off. Got some clouds to clear.” “Well don't let us keep you.” Rainbow Dash left. Twilight turned to Wolf. “What was that for?” “Didn't I already say? Every time something snuck up on me it was a Spinar trying to kill me.” “What exactly are the Spinar?” “What the scientists called them? A collection of different insect like races. What the soldiers called them? Very big badass bugs with insane firepower and a short temper. You do not want to meet one.” “How long where you fighting them?” “Eleven years. Eleven long years of hell.” “How long was the war?” “Twenty-four years.” “How did you get into the military?” “I was conscripted at twelve for the Demigod project. They made me stronger, tougher, faster and smarter then any human could hope to be.” “And when did you join the fighting?” “When I was sixteen.” Twilight's jaw dropped. “Sixteen?!” “Yeah, sixteen. By then they had done dozens of surgeries, implants and stuff like that and turned me into the ultimate fighting machine.” “Now that's just cruel.” “We were desperate. Spinar were winning on every front and we needed a new weapon. That weapon was me, along with a few hundred others.” “I think it was wrong.” “What would be wrong? Letting our entire race die without a fight, or make a new weapon out of pre-teens? If you ask me, there's no choice.” “I still think it's wrong.” “And you can think that. Won't change the fact that it happened though.” The two continued towards the barn. “Applejack! Are you there?” A voice came from there right. “Hold on!” Both turned towards the source of the voice. “Yeeeehah!” Applejack ran towards an apple tree. She turned mere seconds before hitting it and kicked it. On contact, it let off a loud, explosion-like noise. Wolf jumped behind another tree, and grabbed a large branch that was on the ground. Applejack walked towards the tree. “Um, are you alright?” Wolf didn't answer.Instead he leaped out from behind the tree, knocking Applejack on her back, while he was holding the branch above her face. Twilight noticed that he was holding it the same way he was holding his rifle the night he arrived. "One wrong move and you get a bullet in the head." “Wolf!” The cold, heartless look on Wolf's face changed. He remembered that he wasn't in battle anymore. He jumped off of Applejack. “Sorry.” "Now what in tarnation was that?" She turned to Twilight. “Who is this?” Wolf cut Twilight off before she could answer. “Names Wolf. I assume you're Applejack?” “Ah sure as sugar am.” She stretched out her hoof to shake. Wolf stretched out his hand to respond, before wincing in pain. Twilight remembered his injury. She looked at his bandaged side, to see a new spot of red quickly growing. She gasped. “We need to get him back to the hospital!” Twilight's horn glowed, and Wolf lifted off the ground. While his mind was mostly occupied with dealing with the pain, he noticed that he was flying, before losing consciousness. End chapter 1.